Reel World

After Earth

Central Features Contemporary Art Gallery will feature a film screening and discussion of the 1954 feature Salt of the Earth on Thursday, Nov. 16. Shot in New Mexico, the film is based on an arduous 1951 strike against the Empire Zinc Company in Grant County, N.M. The film, directed by Howard Bieberman, utilized few professional actors, relying instead on Grant County locals—many of whom were involved in the actual incident depicted. At the time of its release, the strongly pro-labor, anti-corporate film was labeled Communist and blacklisted. Bieberman spent six months in prison after he refused to answer questions from the House Committee on Un-American Activities. The film itself went unseen for decades because many theaters refused to show it. In recent years, however, it has become an important historical document and a hallmark of American neo-realist cinema. Artist Nina Elder will be on hand to discuss the film. The screening/discussion will take place from 7 to 9pm. Central Features is located at 514 Central Ave. SW Ste. 2.

Students of Cinema

The New Mexico Film Foundation unveils its second annual Student Filmmakers Showcase this Saturday, Nov. 18, at Santa Fe’s Violet Crown Cinema (1606 Alcalesea St.). From noon to 3pm a collection of short films by college-age filmmakers from around the state will be showcased. Tickets are $5 for the general public or free for students with ID.

Pueblo Fest

The 4th Annual Pueblo Film Fest gets underway, Nov. 17 through 19, at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center (2401 12th Street NW). This film festival—the only one in the US dedicated to the work of Pueblo filmmakers and actors, as well as films that explore the Pueblo experience—will include screenings, presentations, workshops, an open casting call and discussions with renowned Pueblo filmmakers. This year’s fest even includes some classic Native-made films, alongside the new work. It all kicks off on Friday at 6pm with an opening reception featuring drinks and appetizers. The opening night film is the Canadian documentary Rumble: Indians Who Rocked the World, which fills in a missing chapter of rock and roll history covering the indigenous influence on popular music. Eleven other features and shorts will screen throughout the weekend. A suggested $10 donation gets you in the door. For a complete schedule of films and events, go to indianpueblo.org/centerevent/4th-annual-pueblo-film-fest.

Build Big

This Saturday, Nov. 18, is Dream Big Day at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science. At both noon and 5pm, the museum’s Dynatheater will screen Dream Big, The IMAX-lensed film, narrated by Jeff Bridges, takes a look at such technical marvels as the Great Wall of China, the world’s tallest building, underwater robots and solar-powered cars in hopes of inspiring young students to become engineers. Between 1 and 4:30pm students can visit booths in the museum atrium to see what engineers do and how they do it. This event is sponsored by the American Society of Civil Engineers and the New Mexico Museum of Natural History Foundation. The movie is free with museum admission.